A smooth transaction is one when one has accurately represented the physical characteristics(in writing) of one’s home , whether it be listing the home with an agent or selling it yourself(FSBO). “The main step is to acquire the accurate living area during the whole process of obtaining the accurate representation of one’s property”, says William D. Cobb, CREA who is the owner of Accurate Valuations Home Appraisal Group in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. An agent will enlist a CMA or Comparative Market Analysis for determining a home’s listing price. Still, one should have with them, a precise calculation of the living area.

Also, to be on the safer side, it would be a wise decision to have a third-party measure the living area and value of the property before one signs the Listing Agreement. A residential appraiser is the best option in this case.

This has the following advantages:

When an appraisal report is done in a professional manner, it leaves a good impression on the potential buyer as it supports the price quoted as well.

In U.S, majority of real estate professionals base the price per square foot of a home on living area size. Living Area is measured from the exterior walls. All real estate professionals are to follow the ANSI Standards for Single-Family Residential Buildings (American National Standards Institute) when calculating area home sizes. In a seminar in Apex Appraiser Home Sketching Software and National ANSI Standards in Houston, TX, the ANSI instructor, who is also on the Appraiser Standards Board in South Carolina, stated that one of the most common lawsuits in Real Estate today is “misrepresentation of living area size”.

Consider: A 2,000sf home is for sale, priced at $240,000. Instead of measuring the home, the living area was obtained by County Records; estimating the typical home size in that development. The home is listed with a living area of 2,000sf. A purchase agreement for $240,000 is received and is accepted. The appraisal is ordered by the buyer’s lender. The sellers submit an offer on a $350,000 home in a neighboring development. The offer is accepted. However, the appraiser for the home turns in her appraisal showing 1,840sf and an appraised value of $220,800, much less than the purchase price. The sellers are asked to renegotiate the purchase price as the living area is 1,840sf, and not the 2,000sf. The sellers sue for misrepresentation of living area.

Thus, it’s crucial to have one’s home measured by the person listing your home. It is strongly recommended that when interviewing the person listing your home, one must confirm that they follow ANSI, that they will measure your home, and provide you a calculated sketch. Thus, a written verification of true living area is present.

Bill states that he recently performed a purchase appraisal in a South Baton Rouge Subdivision on a 2,026sf living area, for $260,000, listed FSBO. The home was marketed WITHOUT obtaining a professional opinion on the value of the home. The buyers end up with $9,000 in equity as the home appraised at $269k. So, as against a loss of $9,000 the seller should have paid $225 to get the listing appraisal done.

An appraisal helps homeowners make the best decisions like investment in homes and setting a competent sales price. Thus it is strongly recommended to have a Listing Appraisal before one lists their home.

In this video, Realtor and Broker, Tony Zito, and Home Appraiser, Bill Cobb, discuss how appraisers value pools and metal buildings. Generally, the return might be 1/4 to 1/3 of investment, but not always. Sometimes pools have no value at all, especially the older the age of the pool. Some people likes pools and others don’t and end up filling them in with dirt. However, if you’re buying a home to live there forever, enjoy that home and add what you can afford to install…..just don’t expect to get a dollar-for-dollar return on your investment of items in your yard.

Zillow.com is reporting that Baton Rouge Metro (Greater Baton Rouge) had a -4.3% decline since 1/2009, see the charts below. The Zillow report can be read here! Also according to Zillow, the Shenandoah market, comprised of approximately 2,800 homes, experienced a -2.3% decline in the same period.

For Your Greater Baton Rouge Home Appraisal Needs, Give Accurate Valuations Group A Call at 225-293-1500

Housing Market Direction: Up or Down For Homes In The 1950sf to 2400sf, Ages 11-40 Yrs Old, Area 42, Price Range $130,000 to $225,000?

Therefore, based on the “median sale price barometer” charting above, the barometer used by the National Association of Realtors, the market direction declined from January 2009 to January 2010 by -2.4% based on 78 sales analyzed (REOs included). Search parameters were: 1/1/08 to Present, 1950sf to 2400sf, Ages 11-40 years old, MLS Area 42. 78 Sales Results Were Analyzed. Data used with the permission of the GBRAR (Greater Baton Rouge Association Of Realtors).

REO / Foreclosure Rate: Based on MLS Data of the actual solds, the REO rate is a low 7.14%. However, It’s also stated here that a 2009 article (The Landmines Within by Michael Tarabottohttp://activerain.com/blogsview/930436/The-Landmines-Within ) stated that as much as 70% of REOs never make it into the MLS. MLS is reporting 2 comparable REO listings. However, since it’s possible that 70% of REOs and/or Sheriff Sales never make it into the MLS System, it’s almost impossible to know exactly how many competing REOs there really are out there.

For Your Home Appraisal Needs In Greater Baton Rouge, Give Bill Cobb A Call At 225-293-1500 or www.accuratevg.com.

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Bill Cobb, with Home Appraisals in Baton Rouge , has assembled this site for the enjoyment of the local Greater Baton Rouge Public. The material and information contained on this site is the copyrighted of Bill Cobb and Accurate Valuations Group. For more detailed market analysis to be used for your home appraisal needs or any home appraisal-related purpose, please contact Bill Cobb at 225-293-1500 for more information. Again, Thank you for spending time on this site!

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